How to Jailbreak a Chromebook: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you done with all the restrictions that come with using a Chromebook? Do you want to customize your laptop and have more control over it? Jailbreaking your Chromebook is all you need. You can jailbreak a chromebook to access the restricted features or to run unapproved software. 

Jailbreaking enables you to customize your device, install and run different operating systems and access a world of new possibilities. Unlike other operating systems, Chromebook has some restrictions. Still, with the right tools and a little bit of technical knowledge, you can break free from these restrictions and explore a completely new world of functionality. 

Below, we have mentioned a step-by-step procedure for jailbreaking Chromebook. Before we start, it’s crucial to understand that jailbreaking your device may nullify your warranty and could potentially cause security risks and potential errors. Thus, proceed at your own responsibility and discretion. 

What is Chromebook Jailbreaking?

Jailbreaking is the procedure of removing restrictions on devices that were set by software or hardware manufacturers. This process can be used to get to features that are locked down otherwise, like unlocking apps from the Google Play Store or customizing the OS settings. Chromebook jailbreak is also called

• Chromebook Unlocking
• Chromebooking rooting
• Chromebook customization
• Chrome OS modifications

What tools and preparations are required for Chromebook jailbreak?

Before we jump into the Chromebook jailbreaking process, there are some really important tools and preparations you’ll require. You must have the following items ready before getting started with the process.

• Chromebook: you will definitely need a Chromebook to jailbreak. Make sure it’s connected to a power source or fully charged throughout the jailbreaking process to circumvent any disruptions.

• USB Flash Drive: A USB flash drive will be needed to maintain a recovery drive for your Chromebook. Ensure it has sufficient storage capacity to hold the important files. 

• Internet Connection: make sure that your Chromebook is linked to the internet throughout the jailbreaking procedure. This is essential for downloading updates and necessary files.

• Data backup: before starting the Chromebook jailbreak process, it’s mandatory to back up crucial data on your Chromebook. Although the possibility of losing important data during the procedure is low, it’s always good to be safe rather than regretting it.

When you have all these tools ready, now is the time to prepare your Chromebook for the jailbreaking procedure. Follow these steps:

• Check for the important updates: ensure that your device is up to date by checking for the pending system updates. This will make sure that you have the most recent and updated version of Chrome OS installed. 

• Disable all warnings: to proceed with the jailbreaking procedure on your Chromebook, you must disable the developer mode warnings. You can do this by opening the Chrome OS settings.

• Enable Developer Mode: enabling developer mode enables you to access and modify the system files. Still, remember that when you enable the developer mode, it will erase all local data on the Chromebook, so ensure that you have backed up all the files before proceeding. 

With the right tools and mandatory preparations made, you’re all set to get started with the Chromebook jailbreaking adventure. Now, let’s unfold the complete process of enabling the developer mode and moving into the recovery mode. 

• External Keyboard and Mouse: although it’s not mandatory, but with an external mouse and keyboard, the Chromebook jailbreaking process can be more convenient and easier, especially if you’re not comfortable with the built-in touchpad and keyboard in a Chromebook.

How to Jailbreak A Chromebook: Step-by-step procedure

Step 1: Enable Developer Mode

Enabling developer mode provides access to advanced features and lets you modify the OS of your Chromebook. Please note that enabling the developer mode will remove all local data from your device, so ensure that you’ve backed up all important files before proceeding. These are the steps that you should follow to enable the developer mode:

• Make sure that your device is powered off
• Press and hold the Esc key and refresh key at the same time. The Refresh key usually has a circular arrow sign on it. 
• With both keys, also press the power button on your device.
• If you see a warning on your screen, release all these three keys. This screen will show a message stating that Chrome OS is damaged or missing. 
• Press the Ctrl+D keys together to bypass the warning screen and go into developer mode. 
• You’ll see another screen prompt for turning on OS verification. Click on “Enter” to proceed.
• Wait for a few minutes for your Chromebook to reboot.

When your Chromebook reboots, you’ll see a screen with a red exclamation mark with a message stating that Operating System verification is off. This shows that the developer mode has been successfully enabled. Now, you’re just one step away from unlocking the full potential of developer mode.

Step 2: Go into the Recovery Mode

To continue the Chromebook jailbreaking procedure, we have to move into the recovery mode on the Chromebook, which enables us to install custom firmware, perform system updates and make important changes to the device’s software. You can follow these steps to move into the recovery mode:

• Make sure that your Chromebook is turned off.
• Press and hold the Refresh key and Esc key at the same time.
• With both keys, also press the power button on your device. Keep holding the Refresh and Esc keys until you see a screen with a message stating, “Chrome OS is damaged or missing.”
• Release both the keys.
• Press the Ctrl+D keys together when you want to enter the recovery mode.
• Next, you will see a yellow exclamation mark with a message saying, “Chrome OS verification has been turned off.” click on Ctrl + D to proceed.
• Your Chromebook will now move into the recovery mode, and a message will display stating that “OS verification is off.”

In the recovery mode, your Chromebook can boot from a USB device. For this, you have to press Ctrl + D, appearing in the white dialogue box and choose “Yes’ ‘ when a prompt pops up. 

Step 3: Install a jailbreaking tool or Crouton

You will then need to install a jailbreaking tool like Crouton. This will enable you to install and run programs that are not available on the Chrome Operating system.

Step 4: Complete the jailbreaking procedure

After the installation of the jailbreaking tool, you must follow the additional instructions to complete the jailbreaking procedure. After that, your Chromebook will be ready for use with plenty of new programs and apps. 

How To Jailbreak A School Chromebook?

If you want to jailbreak a school Chromebook with the Old UI, these are the steps that can be helpful:

Step 1: reboot into the recovery mode

• Turn off your Chromebook.
• Press and hold the F3 key and Esc key simultaneously, then press the power button to turn the Chromebook on.
• Release all three keys when a message appears stating, “Chrome OS is damaged or missing.” This screen message shows that you have successfully moved into recovery mode.

Step 2: Enable developer mode

After entering into the recovery mode, press Ctrl + D to enable the Developer mode.

Press enter and wait for the Chromebook to reboot.

A message will appear stating, “preparing for the Developer mode.” This procedure can take up to 15 minutes. 

When the developer mode is enabled, your Chromebook will automatically reboot, and a message will appear saying, “Preparing system for developer mode.” This process can also take 15 minutes.

Step 3: Download the jailbreak script

• When your Chromebook will be rebooted, press Alt+ Ctrl + T to open the Crosh shell. 
• Type “Shell” and press enter to move into the Linux shell.
• To change directories, type “cd/usr/sbin” and press enter
• To download the jailbreak script, type “curl- L http://goo.gl/Pjk9nB | bash”

After moving into the Linux shell, go through the “/usr/sbin” directory and use the command “curl” to download the jailbreak script from the source URL.

Step 4: Run the Jailbreak Script

• To run the jailbreak script, type “sudo bash ./jailbreak” and press enter
• Follow the instructions given on the screen and enter your password when asked
• When the script finishes running, your Chromebook will automatically reboot into the Developer mode with a changed boot image.

Now, after downloading the jailbreak script, just run it using the command “sudo bash ./jailbreak” and follow the instructions given on the screen. You will be asked to enter your password during the procedure. 

Step 5: Install an alternative Operating system

• After the completion of Chromebook rebooting, press the keys “Ctrl + D” to avoid the screen “OS verification is off.”
• Press Enter to confirm, and a warning screen will appear. 
• Press Ctrl + D again to carry on with the installation of the alternative OS.

Lastly, when your Chromebook is fully rebooted, press Ctrl + D to circumvent the “OS verification is off” screen and continue with the installation of an alternative OS. You have successfully jailbroken the Chromebook, now you can enjoy exploring the new possibilities on it. 

Conclusion

Jailbreaking a Chromebook is the best way to customize your device and unlock the new features. Still, it’s crucial to take certain precautions before opting for this, such as downloading the right tools and backing up your data. Make sure that you have checked your local laws before jailbreaking because it’s illegal in some countries. After taking all the essential steps and jailbreaking your Chromebook, you can customize your Chromebook according to your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you jailbreak a Chromebook?

Yes, you can jailbreak Chromebook. But, you must take necessary precautions before getting started with it, like downloading the tools and backing up the important data.

2. Can you lock a stolen Chromebook?

Absolutely! You can lock a stolen Chromebook by logging into your Google account and enabling the feature “Find my device.”

3. How can I know if my Chromebook is compatible?

All Chromebooks are not compatible with jailbreaking. You can check the Chrome version on your device to ensure it’s supported. You can also check this in the Settings menu under the “About chrome OS.” Any Chromebook with version 72 or higher is compatible. 

4. What are the risks associated with the Chromebook jailbreaking process?

Yes, there are some particular risks associated with a Chromebook jailbreaking. These include the likelihood of data corruption or complete data loss and potential security vulnerabilities if jailbreaking goes incorrect.